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The Aida is a Latin figure, used in Rumba, Cha, and in Bolero.
In
Rumba, we might start in butterfly position facing wall, trail feet
free. Both step thru to line and begin to turn in (man to the right and
woman to the left). Step side and continue to turn. Step back to a
V-position, back-to-back, looking reverse, lead hands joined. This is
the position that we have in the photo.
We may also begin with the lead feet and move to reverse.
We
don't usually think of the Aida as a "picture" figure, but notice that
this ending "Aida Position" does include attractive body lines. You can
make an effort to match your partner in the slope of your shoulders and
arms and in the positions of relatively straight legs.
In
Cha, the Aida is a step thru turning in, a side step continuing to turn
to a V-back-to-back, and then a back/lock, back in this same
"mini-picture" Aida Position.
The Bolero Aida is
similar to the Rumba Aida, but it starts with a slow side preparatory
step. Often the cuer will say, "Prepare the Aida" (one measure). And
then he or she will cue, "Aida Line" (1/2 measure).
You
can begin in almost any position, such as butterfly, semi, open facing,
or even open position. The lead foot is free. Step side down line
blending to a facing V-position. The lead shoulders will be a little
apart and the trail shoulders closer together. Step thru with the trail
feet turning in (man right, woman left), step side and back. At this
point, you will be in Left Open Position, facing reverse. This
completes the "Aida Preparation." Finally, step back with the lead foot
continuing to turn to the Aida Line position, a back to back "V"
looking reverse.
Of course, you may also perform this figure beginning with the trail foot, in which case the Aida will progress to reverse.
In
Bolero, the Aida is a measure-and-a-half figure, so choreographers
often step-cue two more quick steps to get back on the measure. In the
Reads' Todo Bolero, there is an Aida Prep (one measure), an
Aida Line and two Hip Rocks in place (a second measure), and then face
& Fence Line (a third measure).
An interesting
variation to the Rumba Aida is Three Aidas. In Butterfly Position
facing wall, trail feet free, step thru to line and begin to turn right
(woman left). Step side and continue to turn, and step back to a
V-position back-to-back looking reverse lead hands joined. For the
second Aida, step thru with the lead feet, forward turning left (woman
right) and joining trail hands, back & side to a V-position
back-to-back looking toward line. Finally, step thru with the trail
feet and repeat that first Aida. In the Moores' Beautiful Maria,
part C begins with 2 of Three Alemanas;;; Three Aidas;;; hip rock and
swivel to face; fan; to a hockey stick;; (in this last sentence, each
semi-colon represents the end of one measure of music).
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